What to do if you are arrested on drug charges in Williamson County, Texas
Many people find interactions with local law enforcement to be scary. In Round Rock, Texas that fear is somewhat justified if you have anything to do with marijuana or any other controlled substance. Round Rock is on the southernmost edge of Williamson County, Texas just a bit north of Travis County. Williamson County is known for being on the forefront of the war on drugs. Travis County appears to be a bit more relaxed, especially where marijuana is concerned. If you are pulled over in Round Rock and are suspected of having drugs of any kind your car will be searched. If anything is found you will be arrested and charged aggressively. If this happens you need to take the following steps to protect yourself.
1. The most important thing you can do is stay calm. Officers are trained to spot nervous people. They often state in their official reports that the suspect was acting strangely or was overly nervous. Everyone is nervous when stopped by a cop, but try to keep it under control.
As part of staying calm, be POLITE! I can not over emphasize this. You are nervous about being stopped but the officer is nervous about stopping you. He or she has no idea how you are going to react or what crazy thing might happen. They are on edge. Being polite can go a long way toward reducing tension and might get you out of trouble. Additionally, you need to remember that everything you say and do is being recorded and videoed. If you curse or are rude the prosecutor, judge and jury will see it and they will not appreciate it.
2. The second most important thing you can do in any interaction with law enforcement is refuse to play. While you are required to answer basic questions like giving your name and address or providing your driver's license and proof of registration you do not have to answer questions about drugs. You do not have to give consent to a search of your vehicle or person. You do not have to talk to the officer at all if you don't want to.
The problem with this advice is that if you refuse to cooperate the police officer is going assume you have something to hide. This assumption often turns out to be true, so if you refuse to speak to the officer or allow them to search they will take steps to force a search. They can do this legally as long as they jump through the necessary hoops. Generally they know exactly how to conduct a legal search but occasionally they make a mistake that can be used by a defense lawyer later to your advantage.
Additionally, if you admit to doing something illegal you take away a significant advantage from your attorney in the courtroom.
3. If you are arrested attempt to make arrangements for someone to pick up your car. It is not uncommon for officers to arrest a driver for a non-drug related charge, such as driving on an invalid license and then after towing the vehicle to the police impound lot they find drugs. If there is something in your car you don't want to the officer seeing ask to have a passenger take the vehicle or ask to call someone to come pick it up. The officer does not have to allow this but if you are polite you may be able to talk them into letting the vehicle, and potential drug charges, drive off.
4. Contact an attorney. In Round Rock you need a lawyer to fight for you. The prosecutors are aggressive and very good at their jobs. Having a lawyer will make all of the difference when you go to court.
1. The most important thing you can do is stay calm. Officers are trained to spot nervous people. They often state in their official reports that the suspect was acting strangely or was overly nervous. Everyone is nervous when stopped by a cop, but try to keep it under control.
As part of staying calm, be POLITE! I can not over emphasize this. You are nervous about being stopped but the officer is nervous about stopping you. He or she has no idea how you are going to react or what crazy thing might happen. They are on edge. Being polite can go a long way toward reducing tension and might get you out of trouble. Additionally, you need to remember that everything you say and do is being recorded and videoed. If you curse or are rude the prosecutor, judge and jury will see it and they will not appreciate it.
2. The second most important thing you can do in any interaction with law enforcement is refuse to play. While you are required to answer basic questions like giving your name and address or providing your driver's license and proof of registration you do not have to answer questions about drugs. You do not have to give consent to a search of your vehicle or person. You do not have to talk to the officer at all if you don't want to.
The problem with this advice is that if you refuse to cooperate the police officer is going assume you have something to hide. This assumption often turns out to be true, so if you refuse to speak to the officer or allow them to search they will take steps to force a search. They can do this legally as long as they jump through the necessary hoops. Generally they know exactly how to conduct a legal search but occasionally they make a mistake that can be used by a defense lawyer later to your advantage.
Additionally, if you admit to doing something illegal you take away a significant advantage from your attorney in the courtroom.
3. If you are arrested attempt to make arrangements for someone to pick up your car. It is not uncommon for officers to arrest a driver for a non-drug related charge, such as driving on an invalid license and then after towing the vehicle to the police impound lot they find drugs. If there is something in your car you don't want to the officer seeing ask to have a passenger take the vehicle or ask to call someone to come pick it up. The officer does not have to allow this but if you are polite you may be able to talk them into letting the vehicle, and potential drug charges, drive off.
4. Contact an attorney. In Round Rock you need a lawyer to fight for you. The prosecutors are aggressive and very good at their jobs. Having a lawyer will make all of the difference when you go to court.